Teenagers overcome personal struggles to help others through charity work
STUDENTS from Olchfa School’s Provision Class have won the JD Foundation Community Impact Award at the Wales Country Final of The King’s Trust and TK Maxx & Homesense Awards.
The awards, held by youth charity The King’s Trust in partnership with TK Maxx and Homesense, recognise young people who have overcome adversity and made a positive difference in their communities. Olchfa’s winning group was praised for their teamwork, fundraising efforts, and volunteering at local homeless shelters.
The students, many of whom have faced significant personal challenges, took part in a range of community projects that included organising donation drives and preparing over 70 hampers for a local domestic abuse refuge.
One student, Ashley, 16, from Swansea, shared her experience of how the programme changed her life.
“I was struggling with my mental health and behaviour and was on the verge of exclusion. I didn’t like attending school and felt overwhelmed after missing so much work,” she said. “Since joining the Provision Class and The King’s Trust Achieve Programme, my behaviour has improved, and I get on better with teachers. I’ve even applied to study counselling at college.”
The Olchfa Provision Class offers tailored support to students who find mainstream education challenging, creating an inclusive learning environment where they can thrive. Through The King’s Trust’s Achieve Programme, pupils take part in practical projects that teach life skills, build confidence, and encourage personal growth.
“We’ve learned skills that will help us through adult life. We’ve reflected on our strengths and built confidence in both school and the outside world,” Ashley added. “There is always hope.”
Ashley said she particularly valued learning about practical topics like taxes and employee rights, which prepared her and her classmates for the future.
Aaron Probert, Charity Manager at the JD Foundation, said: “On behalf of everyone at the JD Foundation, I am pleased to congratulate the pupils from Olchfa School’s Provision Class for winning the JD Foundation Community Impact Award in Wales. They showed determination to work as a team and make a huge impact in their local community. They should be very proud. Well done all!”
The King’s Trust supports young people across the UK to gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed. Over the past five years, three in four young people supported by the charity have moved into work, training or education.
